Can Christianity and business meld together? Can a devout Christian operate his or her business in an ethical way and still be successful? Should a business owned by a Christian concentrate on more than just the bottom line?
These are questions that many Christian businesspeople ask themselves. The business world is often seen as such a cut-throat industry that it is hard to believe that Christian qualities can survive in such an environment. To inspire you as a Christian business owner to do more, here are some examples of businesses that combine the two together successfully.
Tourism
Taking a vacation with a tour group may not seem like the most Christian-oriented activity, but for Pilgrim Tours that is where the focus lies. All of their tours bring an element of the spiritual into the trip along with a look at the history and culture. It provides a life-changing experience for some people. In addition, the business also has daily prayer times with staff.
Car Repair
An automotive shop based in Allen, Texas believes it is possible to share your faith even when repairing cars. Christian Brothers Automotive is a faith-based auto repair shop that uses Christian principles and ethics in all aspects of the business. The company has numerous locations throughout the U.S. but only hires people with a passion for the Christian faith and willing to follow the ethics of the company.
While they prefer to show their faith in action rather than talk about what they believe, it is obvious through the Scriptures on their website and in many other ways where they stand. They also demonstrate their beliefs through the daily activities of the business. For instance, each location partners with churches in the local area to provide oil changes without cost to single mothers and those who have been widowed one day a year. The shops also get involved with local charities throughout the year.
Batteries
You might not think a battery company would be synonymous with Christian beliefs, but that is how Interstate Batteries operates. They have proven that it is possible to be successful while following your faith. The company is a household name when it comes to supplying batteries to businesses and individuals. At the same time, they choose to honor God right in their mission statement and in how they give back to the community.
The company is involved with numerous charities and nonprofit organizations, including Angel Tree, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Union Gospel Mission. The company participates in the National Day of Prayer with a breakfast and employees a chaplain within the company.
From these three companies, you can see that it is possible to honor God in any industry. It is also the responsibility of those in Christian businesses to operate on principles that align with their faith and to use their companies as part of their ministries. Business and faith shouldn’t be separate. In fact, we are called to honor God in everything we do, and what better way to accomplish that than where we spend the majority of our time each day?
